The ranks of drivers competing full-time in both the Nextel Cup and Busch series will be much thinner. Kevin Harvick, though he will continue to compete extensively in Busch, has announced that he won’t attempt to win a third championship.

At present, it appears the only full-time moonlighters will be Carl Edwards, Dave Blaney and rookie David Ragan. Blaney, who competes for Bill Davis Racing in Cup, has announced he will compete for the Busch Series championship in the No. 32 Toyota of Braun Racing. "

While I'm disappointed that Carl and Dave will be running full-time, it's somewhat good news to hear a lot of the Cup drivers have scaled back the whacking. I still think it's going to be very difficult for true Busch regulars to win any races next year though.

As a result of the fewer total starts by Whackers, I predict five or six victories by Busch Series specialists next year, versus just two this year. It will still be a difficult year for the non-Cup drivers.